Top 5 Aesthetic Coffee Shops in San Diego

To be completely honest I know very little about coffee. I can’t tell you the difference between blends or pour methods. I’m one of those people who used to order caramel frappuccinos at Starbucks, evolved to ordering iced macchiatos (just to find out that they’re mostly just milk!!) and now I settle for a classic cold brew with a dash of cream. I am in no way qualified to tell you where the ~best tasting~ coffee in San Diego is (they all taste the same?) However I’m here to tell you the things you actually want to know — the most aesthetic, instagrammable coffee spots in San Diego. In my three years here you can bet that I’ve Yelped, visited, and studied at almost every well-known coffee shop. Here is a collection of my favorites:

There are a couple of Copa Vida locations and they’re all equally aesthetic. They combine a modernized/industrial design with homey wood accents and amazing natural sunlight. Their locations are HUGE which means they’re filled with busy working people. You gotta be quick if you want to find that seat next to the outlet.

There are two locations for Coffee & Tea Collective, however, I prefer this North Park location. It seems like this place is always evolving with new art and changing layouts. It has a bright and cozy vibe while staying minimalistic. Everyone knows grid walls were meant to be photographed.

Yet another North Park coffee location with a bit more space and a diverse menu featuring untraditional drinks like the Banana Cold Brew and Rose Earl Grey Latte. You’ll want to stay awhile, this location is perfect for working/studying. If you didn’t take a flat lay photo of your coffee with their marble table, were you even there?

Communal Coffee is a must on your list of San Diego visits. Their concept combines trendy California coffee shop + flower shop. Every wall, table, and piece of toast is instagrammable. I visit this place weekly for a fix of their Matcha Lemonade and the most amazing prosciutto breakfast sandwich you will ever have. The flowers are by Native Poppy who make stunning arrangements at an affordable price.

“Shop. Drink. Stay” their motto says it all. Moniker General is part shopping, part cocktail bar, and part coffee shop. They are housed in a 100-year-old building at Liberty Station with exposed brick and beams, giving it a modern and open feel. It’s one of those places that perfectly combine tons of elements in a simple way, making it easy on the eyes and a place you’re guaranteed to come back to.